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igh Lights 

^^of 



Chattanooga 
History 

1828 :: 1917 

CIVIL WAR PERIOD 

Confederate Occupation 
Federal Occupation 



Battle of Chickamauga 

Siege of Chattanooga 

Battles Around Chattanooga 

Battle of Chattanooga 




High Lights 
of Chattanooga History 

Turned on in Advance 

from Chapters of a 

Forthcoming 

HISTORY OF CHATTANOOGA 



Being Prepared by 
HENRY M. WILTSE 




Copyright, 1917 

By HENRY M. WILTSE 

Chattanooga, 

Tenn. 






DEC 29 1917 

©CM 4 79 72.9 
'Ho. /. 



High Lights of Chattanooga 
History 



By HENRY M. WILTSE 



Chattanooga history began with the Cherokee Indians. They chose 
these environments for their homes because of natural beauties and other 
attractions: fertihty of soil, abundance of fish, fruits, game, etc. Whence 
came the Cherokee we know not with certainty, but little is the doubt 
that they were of Iroquoian origin. Their title to the lands they held 
came, as they expressed it, "from the Great Spirit." They were of the 
trusting, reverent peoples v/hose untutored minds "see God in clouds and 
hear Him in the wind." They became turbulent when the white man 
made them so. It should be said that most of the diabolism laid to their 
charge was committed by a renegade offshoot, tribe or clan, which be- 
came known as the Chickamaugas. 

Their relations to the Cherokee were much like those of a con- 
siderable number of civilized white men who should become malcontents 
and apostates from civilization and organize themselves into a band of 
outlaws and cutthroats. 

John Ross, so long the great principal Cherokee chief, and Lewis 
Ross, his brother, having attended school at Kingston, Tennessee, and 
arrived at maturity, came here and established a trading post on the 
Tennessee River. From this Ross's Landing took its name. Only 
shortly before the Indians were removed from this vicinity by force of 
arms, did the name become Chattanooga, and the original appellation 
was used to a considerable extent even by residents, for more than a 
decade. 

It was during what was popularly known as the Cherokee War, 
officially as the Cherokee Disturbance, that Chattanooga received 
its first artificial impetus in the aggregation of humanity and in business 
advancement which gave it promise of becoming a city. Substantial 
numbers of troops had been stationed here in a period extending from 
the spring of 1836 to the fall of 1838. Many Indians had meantime 
been gathered here for expulsion from their native land and favorite 
haunts. Thus large demand was made upon the resources of territory 
round about, to feed troops and captives. Whole fleets of flatboats 



2 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

came down the river with agricultural supplies of every kind the soil 
would yield under such encouragement as could then be given it, and 
farmers came from every quarter, bringing their offerings in crude vehi- 
cles of varied descriptions as well as nondescript. So Chattanooga in 
reality received its very cradling in war, for this great tragedy of the 
Cherokee was in reality that. And the place was destined to much 
familiarity with war; to have its fortunes greatly affected by military 
interests for many decades. 

Captain John P. Long, one of the most prominent early settlers, 
spoke of the prosperity the community had enjoyed just before and 
during removal days, and said it was determined by the people that the 
town should have a name other than one expressing the idea of a "mere 
landing." A meeting was called "at the schoolhouse" for the purpose 
of selecting a name. Numbers were proposed, of which "Albion" 
seemed the favorite. It was suggested by the white cliffs of Walden's 
Ridge. 

Opposed to the name Chattanooga was urged that it was ugly, if 
not indeed outlandish. To Albion, commonness was a chief objection. 
In favor of Chattanooga was emphasized that it was unique, and had 
an interesting local significance; it was the name of a neighboring stream 
of some importance, and of a mountain in the vicinity. What the word 
signifies was not known then, and is matter of interesting uncertainty, 
now. Captain Long said the meaning had been lost in antiquity. 
Interest in the subject has "grown by what it fed on" and become much 
more than merely local. It has long been nation-wide if not world- 
wide. Theories relating to it have been numerous, and of character 
ranging from closely akin of ludicrous to ingenius. Perhaps in one of 
them lies truth and correct solution. 

An informant who was here in 1 828, long before there was any 
town or even promise of one, said he understood from Indians of the 
vicinity that the word meant something relative to contour, and it was 
thought signified in substance, "a hawk sitting on a nest," therefore, he 
thought the real significance was "hawk's nest." 

In 1904 a letter bearing no other signature than "Indian" was 
sent to the writer of this, saying the word signifies "difficulty", which 
was suggested to the Indian mind on seeing the great river halted by 
Lookout Mountain and compelled to turn so suddenly, as if going back, 
then dashing away as if in utter incertitude of direction, in blind, in- 
furiate search for a way over or through those sturdy barricades of 
nature to that far off goal, the sea. 

An aged Choctaw told the late Daniel P. Henderson that the word 
was of his language, meaning the end of Choctaw possessions, or the 
point where they terminate. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 3 

Chaplain Thomas B. Van Home said a similar name was applied 
by the Cherokee to the cliffs above town, and derived from Clewiwoo- 
wah, the name of a diminutive hawk which was supposed to embody 
the spirit of the tribe. These cliffs were its favorite nesting-place. TTiis 
writer also said Chattanooga was the name of a small Indian hamlet 
situated near the base of Lookout Mountain, on the bank of Chatta- 
nooga Creek; that in the Cherokee language the name imported "to 
draw fish out of the water." 

A writer for the Bureau of American Ethnology, Smithsonian 
Institution, says "Tsatanugi" was the Cherokee name for some point on 
the creek entering Tennessee River at Chattanooga, and the ancient 
name was "Atlanuwa." The Cherokee knew nothing concerning the 
significance of "Tsatanugi" in their language, and thought it must be 
of Chickasaw (Choctaw) origin. But Atlanuwa, they said, meant 
hawk-hole, the old name for a bluff that v/as formidable at the point 
where Market Street reaches the river. 

Louis L. Parham, who published our first city directory, asserted 
that the significance was "Crow's Foot." 

Doctor L. Y. Park was a young man when the Indians were 
rem.oved, and he said the word came from "Chatta," a fish, and 
"nooga," to bring — meaning "fish bringer, ' Chattanooga Creek being 
so called on account of the great number of fish that went up the stream 
at high stages of the river. 

Joshua Ross, nephew of Chief John, informed Miss Zella Arm- 
strong that he found in the living Creek language "Chat-to-to-noog-gee," 
the literal meaning of which is "rock coming to a point," a cliff or bluff, 
or overhanging rocks. This, of course, very plainly indicates Point 
Lookout, and seems a most plausible theory regarding the meaning of 
our name. Especially does it seem so taken in connection with what 
Captain Long said, that Chattanooga was the original name of Lookout 
Mountain, "given to it long before the coming of the Cherokees." The 
historian Ramsey speaks of a mountain called Chattanooga, and in 
1818 Reverend Elias Cornelius explained in Voyages and Travels, 
that "the Look-Out Mountain" was, in Cherokee language without the 
aspirated sounds, "O-tullee-tou-tanna-ta-kunnd-ee," literally, "moun- 
tains looking at each other." This fancy might well be justified by 
Lookout Mountain and Walden's Ridge; Raccoon Mountain perhaps 
being also entitled to a place in the picture. 

The origin and meaning of Lookout as the name for our guardian 
mountain has much import in connection with the investigation of what 
the word Chattanooga signifies, but space limitation forbids the expla- 
nation here. 

Green McCurtain, not long since principal chief of the Choctaw 



4 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

Nation, thought the name Chattanooga came from two Choctaw words. 
Chatta, meaning the Choctaw tribe, and Anoka, signifying potato-house. 

We may yet suspect the significance of our name is lost in antiquity 
as Captain Long said, and we may well believe it had no Cherokee 
origin, knowing that neither did the word Cherokee itself. It is but a 
corruption. Their true name was Yun'wiya, or Ani-Yun-Wiya, mean- 
ing real people, or principal people. 

That chahta is indicated by Standard Dictionary as the real name 
for Choctaw language, may have no further value than as a mere 
interesting fact in connection with the discussion. 

Having received its new name, the little settlement was chartered 
as a town in 1841, and received its "magna charta" or charter as a 
city, December 5, 1851. The first city council meeting was held 
January 5, 1852, and the first ordinance passed after one merely 
providing for organization, was entitled "An Ordinance to Regulate 
Slaves, Free Blacks and Mulattos within the City of Chattanooga." 

Three important events marked the year 1838: The town received 
its new name of Chattanooga; the name of the post office, which had 
been established as Ross's Larding in April of the preceding year, was 
changed accordingly, and the last contingent of Cherokee departed for 
their dreary and tragical journey to the new home which had been 
chosen for them, beyond the Mississippi. 

This enforced removal made up finally one of the saddest chapters 
in the book of time. It "may well exceed in grief and pathos any 
other passage in American history," according to a report made to and 
published by the Bureau of American Ethnology. A soldier who 
witnessed much of it and later become a Confederate colonel, said, 
"I fought through the Civil War and saw men shot to pieces by thou- 
sands, but the Cherokee removal was the crudest work I ever saw." 
Over four thousand of them, nearly one-fourth of the Nation, died as 
the direct result; one of them being the accomplished wife of Chief 
John Ross. The Cherokee, in their own expressive language of imagery, 
knew the wretched exodus as "The Trail of Tears." 

Nothing of special consequence occurred from this period until the 
contemplated building of Western & Atlantic Railroad stirred the 
enterprising citizens to sense of danger that the road would be built 
to the Georgia line, simply, or continued to Harrison, the county seat, 
and not come to Chattanooga at all. Georgia authorities thought the 
river was the only inducement this late "mere landing" could offer, 
and declared it was not navigable for enough distance nor sufficient 
months in the year, to justify consideration of it as a terminal or even 
a touching point. With a small steamboat, many oxen, horses, plows, 
road-scrapers and a moderate force of men, those plucky early Chatta- 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 5 

noogans set to work in the hope of demonstrating the contrary, and 
they did, proving that the stream could be navigated from Knoxville 
and even further up, to Decatur, nine months in the year. The Geor- 
gians conceded the fact; the road came, its first train arriving in 
December, 1849. Soon after, a delegation came from Charleston, 
South Carolina, bringing a vessel filled with ocean water, which was 
ceremoniously poured into the river, in token of the marriage of ocean 
with stream. 

"Ninth Street went up like a rocket into a village," according to 
"Andy Williams." It became necessary to pave Market with planks, 
or make of it a plank road from Ninth to the river, and numbers of 
persons who lived well into the twentieth century remembered when they 
could have walked from the one point to the other on bales of cotton, 
and flatboats were fairly wedged together, lining the bank from the 
bluffs above Market Street to down near Pine, a distance of five or 
six blocks. Yet Judge O. P. Temple, who was here over Sunday, 
in 1850, said, "The houses were then straggling from about the spot 
where the Read House now stands down toward the river, along 
probably Main Street." (Of course Market.) "There were few 
of them, and they were very insignificant. Even then, however, there 
was considerable business done in grain, bacon, lumber, etc." 

It was in this year that our first foundry and machine shop, and our 
first coke furnace were erected. 

The Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad was completed and trains 
over its tracks reached Chattanooga in February, 1 854. 

If there was not a boom in 1858, something enough like one to 
enlist the interest of visitors was existent. Strother, or Port Crayon, 
representing Harper's Magazine, was here with a party, and they 
stopped at the Crutchfield House. Of things typical Strother wrote: 

"The hotel was swarming with people arriving and departing with 
the trains, east, west, north and south, hurrying to and fro with eager 
looks, as if lives, fortunes, and sacred honor hung upon the events of 
the next hour. All the corners and by-places were filled with groups 
in earnest conversation; some were handling bundles of papers, others 
examining maps. Rolls of banknotes were exhibited, and net purses 
with red gold gleaming through their silken meshes. In the confusion 
of tongues the ear could catch the words: 'Plots' — 'stocks' — 'quarter 
sections' — 'depot' — 'dividends' — 'township' — 'railroads' — 'terminus' — 
'ten thousands' — 'hundred thousands' — 'millions.' The Squire, impa- 
tient to get his coffee, peeped into the breakfast room. The waiters 
were trading coats." From a negotiation of this kind only a paragraph 
must be indulged: 

"I tell yoq what, I'll give you dis coat for a dollar and a 



6 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

half and take your paper at nine months, or ef you like better, 
one dollar cash on the button." 

These conditions were quite probably due in part at least to com- 
pletion of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad to Stevenson, from which 
point trains came in over the Nashville & Chattanooga tracks. 

The same year, destruction of a bacon warehouse by fire, directed 
attention of certain citizens to the utter defenselcssness of the town, and 
our first fire organization resulted; of course, a very primitive one. 

Social and political conditions prior to the Civil War were about 
as usual throughout the Central South, except for more division of 
sentiment regarding slavery and possible disunion. Numbers of families 
owned slaves, and largei numbers, perhaps, disapproved of slavery. 
A paper called The Southern Confederacy was conducted by J. P. 
Hambleton, whom Doctor Thomas H. McCallie described as "a very 
bright, strong, racy writer." Proceeding, Doctor McCallie said, "He 
was about as hot and extreme on the Southern side as Wendell Phillips 
on the Abolition side. His paper did not have a long life. It was in 
an uncongenial atmosphere." It was so with a paper at Harrison, 
called The Unconditional, which was a radical sheet from the Union 
standpoint. So, conservatism may be said to have been the nature of 
political tendency. 

When war came, most of the men allied themselves with the Con- 
federate cause and the town without resistance became a stronghold 
thereof. It remained thus until September 9th, 1 863, when Col. Smith 
D. Atkins, commanding the 92nd Illinois, entered and flung the Stars 
and Stripes afloat at Crutchfield House. Those tri colors have been 
the prevailing fashion here ever since. Of the stupendous struggle 
hereabout incident to the restoration of that flag, m.ore general history 
has told in unnumbered volumes. 

After Federal occupation, social life was for long a negligible 
quantity. The town was a great military camp, and with the exception 
of officers' headquarters, there was little sign of other interests. It is 
true the government assumed the functions of a business concern, and 
engaged in pretty much every line that could be thought of under existing 
conditions. It built a rolling mill, established waterworks, built ware- 
houses, operated steamboat and telegraph lines, planing mills, saw mills, 
shingle mills ; erected dwellings, barracks, etc. ; repaired harness, and 
turned out all kinds of military equipment needed for the instant 
emergencies. 

A glance at the history is quoted from a tablet standing on the site 
of Redoubt Jones, by the customhouse. The inscription has sanction 
of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park Commission: 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 7 

"This city was first occupied by Confederate troops in the 
spring of 1862, under Generals Floyd, Maxey and Ledbetter. 
Union troops under General Mitchell shelled it June 7th and 8th. 
Bragg's army occupied it in August, preparing for the Kentucky 
campaign. Again in the fall, on its return from Kentucky, and 
in the summer of 1863, when retiring before General Rosecrans 
from Middle Tennessee. Wilder shelled the city from Stringer's 
Ridge, August 21st. 

"Bragg evacuated it September 7th and 8th, and a small 
Union force took possession. Rosecrans occupied it in force the 
second morning after the Battle of Chickamauga, and thereafter 
it remained in Union control. Thomas succeeded Rosecrans 
October 1 9th. 

"Grant took general command October 23rd. A short line 
of supplies to Bridgeport by Brown's Ferry was opened October 
28th, upon a plan devised by General Rosecrans. Hooker's 
forces arrived in Lookout Valley on that date and fought the 
Battle of Wauhatchie. Sherman's troops crossed the Tennessee 
above the city during the night of November 23rd. On that day 
the Army of the Cumberland carried Orchard Knob. 

"November 24th, Hooker's column captured the north slope 
of Lookout Mountain, On November 25 th, Missionary Ridge, 
excepting Cleyburn's position at Tunnell Hill and the intervening 
line of Walthall's stand north of DeLong's, was carried by Grant's 
combined armies, Bragg retreating to Dalton." 

It is good that drollery sometimes crops out in war. Federal and 
Confederate pickets were posted on opposite sides of Chattanooga Creek, 
all taking v/ater supplies therefrom. General Grant rode out to inspect 
the lines, and as he was sure to be within short-range fire of the Con- 
federates, he took with him only a bugler, who followed at a distance. 
Grant, approaching the picket guard camp of the Federal lines, heard 
the order, "Turn out the guard for the commanding general!" 

"Never mind the guard," he directed. 

Not far away were the guards of Confederate pickets, and he 
heard, almost like an echo, from that side, the order, "Turn out the 
guard to salute the commanding general"; and before he had oppor- 
tunity to decide what was going on, the added words "General Grant," 
explained a unique pleasantry. The line formed, front faced to the 
north and saluted the commanding general — "General Grant," who 
promptly returned the most unexpected courtesy. 

In December, 1 863, the United States took possession of ground 
for a National Cemetery, and occupied it at once for such purpose. 



8 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

acquiring title later, by condemnation and purchase. Final decree in 
condemnation was obtained February 20th, 1869. The cemetery 
proper occupies seventy-five and a half acres. With the adjacencies, 
there is a total of one hundred and twenty-nine and forty-three one- 
hundredths acres. 

The total burials, stated October 29th, 1917, was 13,744. 

Some of the more important military men here during the Civil 

War were Grant, Rosecrans, Thomas, Sherman, Wood, O. O. 

Howard, Garfield, Lytle, Bragg, Longstreet, D. H. Hill, Polk, For- 
rest, Hood, Buckner and John Morgan. 

Every president of the United States since Lincoln has visited 
Chattanooga, though not all while in office. 

After the war was over, social conditions were very simple for a 
time, and not a little confused. We had about as cosmopolitan a 
community as could well be imagined. There was, of course, some 
sectional animosity, for the home people who had been here during 
Federal occupancy, remained, and those who had gone away when 
that was imminent, came back, while there were large influxes of 
famililes from the North, most of them headed by men who had borne 
arms for the Union. The range of social life might be told at a glance 
by saying we had types all the way from "The Proud Miss McBride" 
to an unfortunate who passed her nights in an abandoned government 
coffin, at the "Car Shed." Sectional bitterness did not prove an 
enduring sentiment in most instances. In offices, business houses and 
on the streets. Federal and Confederate captains, majors, colonels and 
generals were all the time being brought into contact, and soon learned 
how to struggle together, shoulder to shoulder, for repair of the damage 
done by both sides during four years of hatred and struggle for suprem- 
acy. In the court rooms, lawyers late of the gray and lawyers recently 
of the blue, almost forgot what colors they had respectively worn, they 
were all such good fellows and fast friends. The deadly malady of 
sectional hatred could not last long, even indoors, under such conditions, 
and in 1 885 a local writer, speaking of social conditions here, was 
able to truthfully say: 

"We intermingle, we enjoy each other's society, we indulge 
to a moderate degree in the pleasures of fashion; but as a rule 
our social affairs are conducted on the go-as-you-please or do-as- 
you-please plan. The latchstrings of our doors are always out 
to each other. Our hearts and homes are open to the deserving 
stranger who would be a friend. Sectionalism has as little place 
in society as in business. Ostracism is not known. He or she 
who would assume the role of astracizer would straightway become 
by common consent, a conspicuous ostracizee." 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 9 

Chattanooga had felt the breath of war three times before that 
most momentous period of its history, the Civil War. Probably in 
1835, Darlin A. Wilder rode away at the head of a company of 
horse, to participate in the Seminole wars just then renewed. From 
1836 to 1838, the Cherokee Removal Campaign was a much more 
intimate and important reminder of Mars, and in 1847 numbers of 
troops on their way to Mexico stopped here for short periods, to rest 
and obtain supplies. 

In those days of transition just after the Civil War the "Chatta- 
nooga Spirit" was brought forth from the fallow in which it had 
reposed too long, and it has become a slogan of nation-wide if not of 
world-wide interest. This spirit was born before Chattanooga owned 
a more pretentious name than Ross's Landing. 

At points marked now by Ninth and Market and Eighth and 
Market, were goodly sized ponds. In them were large trees and 
numbers of large watersnakes. Women gathered at their edges to 
do the weekly washings for their families or their employers. In the 
upper one some school boys had been playing, and seeking new diver- 
sion they passed down the "road," now Market Street, to the front of 
Capehart House, where important local men were discussing the im- 
portant town and its prospects. 

One of the men was B. Rush Montgomery, lawyer and promoter. 
Another was James A. Whiteside, probably most important of all. 
Mr. Montgomery asked the boys to indicate where they believed the 
center of the world to be located. They responded according to their 
respective lights. Some said it was in New York City, and others 
suggested Philadelphia. Most of them, however, favored Baltimore. 

"No, boys," said Montgomery; "if I were going to show you the 
center of the world, I would go up there and stick my cane right in 
that pond where you have just been playing." 

The proper Chattanoogan has always thought and always will 
believe that B. Rush Montgomery was very nearly right. If he missed 
it at all, it was only by the distance of a few city blocks. 

After the Civil War dwellers here constantly found interests to 
bring them into closer bonds of sympathy and encourage them to dwell 
together in unity and work in harmony. Some of these inspirations 
came in the forms of disaster. The first of moment was the great flood 
of March, 1 867 — the greatest that has ever visited Chattanooga. The 
river reached a height of fifty-eight and five one-hundredths feet, and, 
of course, much mischief was done. So serious was the situation, and 
so completely was the town in every respect isolated, that neighboring 
communities heard and believed the entire population had been drowned. 
The most conspicuous salient of this flood was loss of the Military 



10 High Lights of ChattaiNooga HistokV 

Bridge, which had spanned the river irom foot of Market Street. It 
was built by Federal authorities, during the Civil War, principally in 
1864. 

In September, 1 867, the famed Crutchfield House was burned. 

In December, 1870, the county seat was removed from Harrison 
to Chattanooga. 

November 10th, 1871, our greatest fire occurred. It started at 
the southwest corner of Eighth and Market streets and swept northward, 
consuming everything on the west side of Market Street to the building 
now numbered 707. 

June 21st, 1873, our only visitation of Asiatic cholera began. 
The exodus by rail and river, public roads, across country, through 
field and and forest was tragic. Of five or six hundred persons who 
remained, one hundred and thirty died. A financial panic this year 
greatly distressed Chattanooga. 

In 1875 the second flood of consequence came, next to that of 
1867, in magnitude, the highest point being fifty-three feet, eleven and 
three-fourths inches. 

In this year our first street railroad line was laid, extending from 
Ninth Street to the river. Later it was extended to Montgomery 
Avenue, now called Main Street. 

In 1876, we held our greatest Fourth of July celebration. 

In 1877 President and Mrs. Hayes were entertained, being accom- 
panied by Secretary of State William M. Evarts, Postmaster General 
David M, Key and General Wade Hampton. 

In 1878 came our greatest calamity, in form of yellow fever. Most 
of the population refugeed, leaving a minimum number for the enemy's 
vengeance, but of the few who remained three hundred and sixty-six, 
by estimate, died. 

In 1882, Sheriff Cate and his chief deputy, John J. Conway, were 
murdered by the Taylor brothers, at Philadelphia, in Loudon County, 
whi'e taking John Tayloi to Knoxville for hearing by the Supreme 
Court on charge of murdering Captain Fletcher, a steamboat man. 

In 1883, a prolonged smallpox epidemic occurred, costing much 
money and some three hundred lives. There were six hundred and 
eighty cases 

In 1884, we again very elaborately celebrated the Fourth of July. 

In 1886, the third flood befell, and reached a stage of fifty-two 
and two-tenths feet. 

In 1887. a fire of comparative insignificance in the general sense. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 11 

cost Firemen's Peak and Her their lives. It was in their honor that 
Firemen's Fountain was erected. 

In 1888, Griffis-Caldwell Block and a number of other buildings 
were burned. The famous Tschopik's Garden was obliterated. James 
P. McMillin, Will Krug, David Welch and Richard Scott perished. 
Several others were seriously injured. 

March 12, 1891, the noted "Tin Banquet" was given commemo- 
rating the manufacture of basic steel at Southern Iron Works. Chatta- 
nooga Chamber of Commerce was host, and a large number of dis- 
tinguished guests were present, including many United States senators 
and representatives, one of them being William McKinley. 

Columbus Day was elaborately celebrated in 1892, with exercises 
at the courthouse, in which the public schools figured most conspicuously. 

In 1893, the Southern Express Company moved its headquarters 
here, and an elaborate banquet was given in honor of the occasion and 
the company officials, at Lookout Inn. 

In 1895, the National Military Park was dedicated, the exercises 
lasting practically a week, and covering Chickamauga battle anni- 
versary. 

In 1897, Richardson building was burned. Samuel M, Patton 
and Boyd Ewing were killed. 

In 1898, the War with Spain caused mobilization at the Military 
Park of men aggregating seventy-five thousand. 

March 3, 1902, Prince Henry of Prussia, brother of the present 
Kaiser, paid us his first and probably last visit. With him was the 
now noted Von Tirpitz. Admiral Robley D. Evans was the official 
escort on behalf of the United States. Prince Henry declared that 
the view from Lookout Mountain was the finest he had ever seen. 

In 1909, we entered upon the experiment of Commission Govern- 
ment for the city. The Municipal Record was established, and the 
city became for the first time a publisher. 

Nineteen Hundred and Seventeen was destined to be one of our 
epochal and most momentous years. It lost little time in beginning the 
salients of its career. The fourth and least flood surprised us after 
more than three decades respite and an acquired confidence that we 
had seen the last of this menace. While least of floods, it caused an 
aggregate of damage and distress, probably exceeding any other, because 
it found so many more persons here; so greatly increased numbers of 
homes and business places to invade. No other had been so systemat- 
ically and skillfully met. Many older residents had become flood wise, 
and we had an excellent flood warning system; really efficient tele- 
phone service, and a thorough electric car establishment; all highly 



12 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

competent weapons. But we possessed a more potent one, never before 
at hand in flood times — the automobile. 

The water crest registered forty-seven and seven-tenths feet. 

Scarcely had the recession been realized when war with Germany 
was declared and Chattanooga "flew to arms" with such promptitude 
and zeal that the overflow was almost forgotten before mobilization of 
troops and civilian workers at Fort Oglethorpe began. 

Up to the middle of October these had probably aggregated fifty 
thousand. The twenty-fourth of that month a great Liberty Bond 
demonstration was made on the streets, and seventy-five hundred soldiers 
bearing arms v/ere in the procession. It proved a most impressive func- 
tion, stimulating both patriotism and confidence as to the outcome of 
the war. Col. Abner Pickering, in command at Fort Oglethorpe, was 
accorded much deserved praise. 

In the summer of this year occurred a serious strike of textile 
workers, and later two street railway employee strikes entirely stopped 
car traffic. Two mob demonstrations occurred, both attended by 
fighting, injuries to persons and wanton destruction of property. In 
the second, one man was killed. Early in December, two attempts 
were made to destroy cars and passengers by dynamite. 

In August our first incinerator plant was put in operation, and in 
the fall a $ 1 , 1 00,000 bridge across Tennessee River from the foot 
of Market Street was given to public use. 

In 1 898, while the War with Spain was in progress, seventy-five 
thousand troops were mobilized at the National Military Park. Again 
in 1917, we saw all the pomp and circumstance of war that usually 
attend without the dread reality in actual presence. Hundreds of 
Geftnan prisoners were confined there. 

Little as many of our people realized the fact, and unwilling as all 
who did know, were to own the truth, Chattanooga was on the verge 
of serious decline when the year 1 898 began. The leaves of the tree 
that sprung up on American soil the twenty-third of April were for 
the healing of the nations, and the great encampment was the healing 
of Chattanooga. Of course, great sums of money were expended here, 
and in addition to this, large numbers of our citizens who would not 
have otherwise been materially affected, found profitable employment 
at liberal rates of compensation, and many others engaged in various 
enterprises under concessions. Some of them thus built up little fortunes 
in a few weeks. The effects of all this soon began to appear in 
repaired roofs, additions to houses, new residences and new business 
buildings, occupied houses which had too long borne the sinister legend 
"for rent," and the city began to grow in a way that seemed difficult 
to understand. It literally leaped into a new status; took on new life. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 13 

assumed theretofore unknown features of metropolitan activity, and in 
fine began to become a city. Those who had lived here for decades 
and knew everybody, were known by everybody, began to meet upon 
the streets thousands of persons they did not know; to find themselves 
unknown to these new comers, but soon discovered that they were here 
to stay and were helping to run the town just as if they had always 
been here and had been accustomed to this line of conduct all of their 
lives. So Chattanooga took an impetus from 1898 that will never 
realize check or deflection, and she will become a large city as her 
builders of the old days and of now, confidently believe. 

But what of 1917? 

Eighteen thousand coal miners had been on strike in the district. 
Grievous car shortage had afflicted Chattanooga. Mid October found 
us confronted by emergent fuel dearth. Large yards were without a 
scuttleful of coal, and a few days later men of means were buying in 
dollar quantities, some carrying home their allowances in automobiles. 
But Chattanooga Spirit failed not nor was cast down. It cheerily 
faced the east and saluted the rising sun. Economy was practiced, 
and gradually supplies came in saving quantities. 

"Sweep away the illusion of time! Compress three score years 
into three minutes!" From our tawny predecessors, congregated for 
expulsion from their homes, to our soldiers mobilized in preparation for 
helping to stamp German militarism from the fair earth, seems a 
mi^hly reach. But numbers of citizens have attained to more years 
than compass the interval. A woman is here who lived in the cabin 
which was the southernmost outpost of civilization at Ross's Landing, 
and the spot is now numbered 728 Market Street. There her father 
captured alive a rattlesnake hidden in the puncheon floor, and set it 
on a stump near where Eighth and Market streets conjoin, that the 
sun might render its oil for medicament. This woman played on Bald 
Hill with little Indian girls, and that is now covered by the custom- 
house and a dozen other important buildings. She later lived near 
Bald Knob, now Orchard Knob, where she saw both Indians and 
soldiers sent to deport them; she knew Straw Tavern, in all its evil, 
grisly eminence. She knew two "graveyards" now under principal 
residential sections. She heard the first church bell, which was impro- 
vised of a druggists' mortar and a tongue fixed in by William Lewis, 
blacksmith, who bought his freedom and his wife's with anvil strokes. 
Mary A. Frist is witness. 

A man who lived until 1913 saw "wig' warns thick as trees"; saw 
deer in dozen droves on Missionary Ridge; was chased by wild hogs 
in territory now our ninth ward. He was Andy Williams. 

One who lived well into the twentieth century himted here by 
Chciokee permission when there was neither hut nor wigwam nor human 



14 High Lights of Chattanooga History 



inhabitant within the territory now covered by Chattanooga and its 
suburbs, with exception of one tepee. He was George W. Rode- 
baugh. 

Again the illusion of time! The man is living here who placed 
our first power elevator and who brought the first typewriter. Joseph 
C. Vance may testify. Another dwells here and is head of a leading 
business house w^ho regretfully refused to buy a typewriter because he 
really couldn't see what he could "do with one of those things if he 
had it." 

Living Mary A. Frist can say she saw these marvels of the earlier 
days. Her husband killed thirty-two snakes in the flats south of 
East Eleventh Street, the day before their wedding, in 1852. In her 
day have occurred things upon an area of a few square miles, that 
prove what pranks and wonders time can play within a lifetime — as 
make a wild hog chase a frightened boy up a tree, and almost within 
the shadow-range of that same tree place a world on dress parade: 
enact tragedies and achievements of war in prodigiousness till now 
unknown elsewhere — accomplish triumphs of peace that seem like 
creations of imagination, wellnigh impossible to reality. Yet, both 
of these living witnesses who have been called, are young enough in 
mind and spirit to exclaim with the genial Holmes: 

"Hang the almanac's cheat and the catalogue's spite! 
Old Time is a liar! We're twenty tonight." 

The foregoing was prepared by the author of this booklet, for 
Gravure Illustration Company, of Chicago, and is used by their 
courtesy. That and what follows have been selected from chapters 
of a forthcoming History of Chattanooga, which will be a work of 
800 pages or more, and give hundreds of details that have made up 
the history of Chattanooga — introducing many persons of more and 
persons of less local renown; also such incidents of their lives, char- 
acters, adventures, joys and sorrows, as go to make up a FOLK 
HISTORY, which the large work will in great measure prove itself, 
having been collected during many years, from original research. 

Orders will be received, payments to be made on delivery of the 
work. 

Address: 

HENRY M. WILTSE, 

1023 East Twelfth Street, 

Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

To which address mail orders for this booklet should be sent. Price, 
50 cents. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 15 

CIVIL WAR TIMES 

Chattanooga furnished interests for history throughout the War; 
before and during Confederate occupation and while the Federals 
occupied, not excluding the days of siege. The litle that can be told 
here will be given in form embracing all of the periods, without great 
particularity a^ to chronology. 

Mrs. John B. Nicklin was a school girl, daughter of Daniel Kaylor. 
A few years since, she related some reminiscences to the local Con- 
federate Memorial Association, from which slight requisition is made 
by permission. Confederate troops often passed through, on their way 
to Virginia, and the girls were fond of going to see them at the railroad 
station. Several companies went from here into the Confederate service, 
and each was given a flag by the citizens. For the ceremonial presen- 
tions, young ladies were selected as speakers. General Bragg was 
in command of forces here, and she often saw him riding his iron gray 
horse. She deemed him a splendid looking soldier, and he was reputed 
a most strict disciplinarian. She often saw soldiers sitting on coffins 
in wagons, on their way to the Citizens' Cemetery, to be shot for 
desertion. It seems to have been a pretty common offense in those 
days, and probably grew in large measure out of political predilection 
ratlier than disinclination to military service. Thomas R. Harris says 
he piloted twenty deserters from here at one time, on their way to the 
Union lines. 

From the southwest corner of Georgia Avenue east to "A" Street 
and south to Eighth, extended a splendid grove, which in days of 
peace had been much used for picnics, political gatherings, etc. It 
was now filled, said Mrs. Nicklin, with tents of Confederate soldiers. 
The women organized for the purpose of supplying food at the hos- 
pitals. Mrs. Nicklin's mother used to take her along sometimes, when 
the days for her visits came, and the young girl was greatly distressed 
by the sight of dead soldiers in such numbers. 

Friday, August 9th, according to her recollection, had been desig- 
nated by President Jefferson Davis as a day of fasting and prayer 
throughout the Confederacy. Rev. Doctor B. M. Palmer, of New 
Orleans, was officiating here at the First Presbyterian Church, then 
at the northeast corner of Seventh and Market Streets. Federal forces 
commenced throwing shells into town, from north of the river. 

"There was of course much excitement and confusion — soldiers 
leaving in haste to join their regiments, women crying in fright." Mrs. 
Nicklin and her mother were among the last to leave church. They 
saw people fleeing in every direction, eager to find places of safety. 
Many went to Boyce and other nearby places, returning in a few 
days, after excitement had somewhat subsided. 

Next time the place was shelled, August 21st, presumably, the 



15 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

Kaylors "went out into the country." as it was then considered, the 
refuge being at Mr. Ruohs's home, between East End Avenue and 
McCallie Avenue viaduct. "The house was filled with their relations 
and friends, and not thinking it safe to return to town, my father 
rented the place across the road from the Ruohs place, afterwards 
known as the Nixon Flower Garden. * * * I was in town with my 
father the day they crossed the river, and on returning to our country 
home what was our surprise to be stopped by a guard m blue uniform, 
at our fence corner. * * * The Ruohs home was between the two 
armies, and during a skirmish my mother would gather up something 
to eat in one hand and the baby in the other, and fly across the road 
to the Ruohs house cellar, followed by my father with the other chil- 
dren. * * * There the families would remain until the firing ceased 
and it was safe to return home." 

Several days later the Kaylors were ordered to vacate the "coun- 
try" home and return to town, worse conditions being expected. And 
sure enough, firing commenced one night. My mother started to to^^m 
on foot, the baby in her arms. It was late and very dark, no road, 
not even a path. Trees had been cut down to make fortifications, over 
which she had to climb. In the confusion she got separated from my 
father. It was past midnight when she reached home in town, very 
tired and suffering with thirst. * * * The wells and cisterns were 
nearly dry, and it was almost impossible to find water enough for her 
to drink. That was a dry summer, the dust almost a foot deep. I 
never knew the river to be so low, before nor since. The town was 
full of half starved soldiers. Supplies had been cut off. They would 
snatch food off the dishes before it could be brought to our table. 1 
have seen them eating the dry corn on the cob." 

Many a Federal soldier saw soldiers snatching bits of crackers and 
kernels of corn, dropped in handling, and even "stealing" corn from 
the mules ond artillery horses as they ate. This, of course was durmg 
the siege. The artillery horses, being in no particular demand just 
then, "had their rations cut off. and they died in large numbers, starved 
to death." quoting General Henry M. Cist. Captam C. D. Mitchell. 
now a leadmg manufacturer, told the writer in 1917. that his most vivid 
impression of the town as he saw it in passmg through, was mud. and 
that a few streets were paved with government mules." 

Before his arrival. General Grant had telegraphed Thomas that he 
must hold the place at all hazards, and Thomas had replied. We 
will hold the town till we starve". Grant wrote. "I appreciated the 
force of this dispatch when I witnessed the condition of affairs which 
prompted it". Already about ten thousand animals had died of starva- 
tion, and of the beef cattle remaining. Grant declared "it was so poor 
that the soldiers were in the habit of saying, with famt facetiousness. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History [7 

that they were living on half rations of hard bread and beef dried on the 
hoof." 



Mrs. S. C. Pyott is a daughter of the late James R. Allison, who 
lived here before, during, and long after the war. While they were 
living on West Seventh street, where is now St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 
Grant and Garfield visited them, to arrange for their safe removal. It 
was a warm day, and Garfield, seeing a white linen coat hanging on 
a hook, asked if he might take it. The request was promptly and will- 
ingly granted. Mrs. Allison was forced to secure permission from the 
provost marshal to use water from their own well, in order to keep the 
children from crying because of thirst. Mrs. Pyott said, "There was a 
constant stream of thirsty soldiers, and the water was cold." The Pyott 
family have an humble petition, prepared by Mr. Allison, begging per- 
mission to remain in his own house, from which he had been ordered to 
make place for a certain captain who had selected it for his head- 
quarters. The truth that Mr. Allison had a large family, including a 
wife in delicate health, and only two habitable rooms for all, seemed at 
last to make impression, even through yards of red tape, and the Alli- 
sons remained at home. 

Thomas Richardson was living in the old home, 3 1 6 Walnut 
street, which was made historic by becoming headquarters for distin- 
guished commanders of both sides, among them. General John Morgan, 
General Breckenridge, General Rosecrans, and General Thomas. It 
was often visited by other distinguished men, such as Generals Grant 
and Sherman. Here, according to Joe G. Richardson, now a well 
known citizen, he and little Johnny Clem heard General Sherman say 
to Thomas Richardson, as they sat on the porch, discussing the absorb- 
ing topic, "Yes, Richardson, war is hell." The general may have made 
the observation on some other occasion, but manifestly it originated here, 
and its truth was more than once demonstrated here. 

Johnny Clem was a drumer boy, of the 22nd Michigan Infantry, 
and is said to have been the youngest soldier in the Federal army. He 
became famous as the Drummer Boy of Chickamauga ; so famous that 
Horace Greely gave him a drum, and the ladies of Chicago presented 
to him a splendid, complete uniform suited to his size, and many other 
honors were bestowed upon him. But there was another side to the 
picture. He and Joe Richardson were youngsters of opinions, and on 
at least one occasion they undertook to assert and enforce them by the 
use of "rocks." These they threw at small negro boys, and for the 
acts of belligerency. General Thomas caused them to be placed in jail 
for a night's reflection. But later the Rock of Chickamauga took keen 
interest in the youthful soldier, and helped him to acquire an education. 
He is now General John L. Clem, retired after long and honorable 



18 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

service in the regular army. He was a visitor here in the fall of 1917. 

Joe Richardson distinguished himself on another occasion. It was 
when the Confederates were in control here. Generals Breckenridge 
and John Morgan were boarding with the Richardsons. Joe discovered 
one morning that the fine carriage horses belonging to his father had 
been taken away. He had heard stories relative to the Morgan men 
and other peoples' horses, so he drew a conclusion. It was, as orators 
like to say punishment should sometimes be, "swift and condign." He 
rushed into the house, and without waiting to take his father aside 
for confidence and conference, bawled in loudest tones at his com- 
mand: "Pa, General Morgan stole our horses, last night." 

"What's that?" inquired Morgan, who of course overheard 

"You stole our horses, last night," accused Joe to the great raider's 
face. The general quietly said to Mr. Richardson that he would invest- 
igate, and in an hour the horses were back in their stalls. Of course 
the general knew nothing of the taking, but he had influence with some- 
body who knew much. 

During a shelling of Chattanooga, probably August 21, 1 863, a 
shell exploded near the Richardson home and blew off the leg of a 
little neighborhood girl. This was the first bloody glimpse of war 
for Joe, and he declares to this day that he was so scared he ran wildly 
to the eastward and never stopped to take breath until he came up 
against the foot of Missionary Ridge. The wounded child recovered, 
and visited in Chattanooga not many years since. Another shell dropped 
into the Richardson yard and buried itself to a suitable depth without 
exploding. It remained until 1 896, when a son of James T. William- 
son, who then owned the property, dug it up and regarded it as a good 
relic. 

With the R. W. Corbin family boarded a young lieutenant named 
Hogue. He had charge of an ambulance corps, and near the close of 
Missionary Ridge fight, invited Joe Richardson to accompany him to 
the field. Probably as boy and man, Joe many times regretted the lieu- 
tenant's good nature. They arrived on the field only a few minutes 
before the last regular fighting, and started for town with a number of 
wounded, forty or fifty of whom died before they reached the old ware- 
house, comer of Fourth and Market streets, where those who lived were 
given surgical attention. Joe dreamed of the battlefield sights for 
years after. 

Frank Crutchfield was a boy of eight years, usually very busy at 
observation. He is now 'Squire Crutchfield, of Walker County, 
Georgia. His father was the late Honorable William Crutchfield, who 
had the memorable controversy with Jefferson Davis, at the Crutchfield 
House, just prior to the war. During the war, Mr. Crutchfield did 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 19 

much valuable scouting service for Union officers, including Grant and 
Sheridan. Frank and his father were walking along by the corner of 
Seventh and Chestnut streets, when a cannon ball came rolling near them, 
after striking the baseboard of Doctor Green's fence, northwest corner. 
Of course Frank had no better sense than to follow the ball and pick 
it up. when he got a chance; but he had enough sense to drop it imme- 
diately, for it was hot. 

Frank went hunting for his father as Missionary Ridge fight was 
opening, and had wandered to the spot now covered by an old cotton 
factory building, east of East End Avenue, just south of the Belt Line, 
when General Sheridan discovered him. "What are you doing here?" 
asked Sheridan. Frank told him he was "just hunting for pa." "Take 
that child home," he said to an orderly, and rode on, having business 
just then of perhaps even more importance than looking after the safety 
of a future Georgia justice of the peace. Frank's pa, just at that time, 
was with Grant and Thomas, on Orchard Knob or in that vicinity. 

Frank and his brother Tom, two years older, were passed through 
the lines to visit their grandmother, at the home of their Uncle Tom, 
who lived at the present site of East Chattanooga on the farm later 
celebrated as Amnicola. They found the house converted into a hos- 
pital, and saw mens' arms and legs being amputated with handsaws. 

While William Cruthchfield was engaged in scouting service. Car- 
ter, an engineer for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, helped him, some- 
times, by acquiring important information and giving it to him. Billy 
Fletcher was a blacksmith, working for the Nashville Road. Although 
strongly for the Confederate cause, he boarded at the Crutchfield home, 
where he was not without political sympathy, for Mrs. Crutchfield was 
so decidedly Southern in her opinions that her scout husband did not 
always impart to her all the information of war value that he picked 
up. At table one time, Crutchfield and Fletcher engaged in a warm 
dispute about the exact Confederate strength hereabout, in men, cannon, 
and all arms. Crutchfield finally grew so recklessly positive that he 
offered to bet five hundred dollars he was right. Fletcher took the bet, 
and soon after went to Atlanta, where he had means of fortifying his 
convictions with facts. He got them, wrote them down on paper, handed 
them to Mr. Crutchfield, who scratched his head, gave up the point, paid 
the bet, and then turned over the information to his Federal friends. 

But being a good Union man did not always save Mr. Crutchfield's 
belongings from officious interference by Federal troops. Frank saw 
two "Yanks" kill their last cow, while old Sofe, his black mammy, was 
milking her. The Crutchfield family was distinctly "well-to-do" at 
least, but they had to live on limitations at times. Frank says they 
used so much rice that he does not like the look, taste or even smell of 
it to this day. They were without bread on at least one occasion, three 



20 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

davs in succession. There was a good deal of hunger among civilians. 
Frank and 1 om saw soldiers frying bacon, and the former says it gave 
forth the most delectable odor that ever came to his nostrils. The boys 
5tood looking in silent but no doubt open mouthed covetousness, when 
the "Yankees" took pity on them, broke hard tack into the cooking vessel, 
made a dish they called "kush", and gave the hungry pair some. They 
really believed it was the most guslable food that had ever happened 
along. 

A brother of Charles W. Vinson, long a leading citizen, killed a 
Negro whom he caught robbing the cash till of King, Crutchfield & Com- 
pany, and was imprisoned for a time. He overheard a conversation 
between prisoners in an adjoining cell, from which he gathered that they 
had robbed a paymaster and hidden the money in an old building, 
corner of Sixth and Market. He told his brother Charles about it .and 
the latter made investigation. He found $22,500, and delivered it to 
the proper authority, later receiving as a reward, one thousand dollars. 

Confederate guns sometimes hurled shells into or over the town, but 
they seldom did much damage, perhaps because the muzzles could not 
be sufficiently depressed. But one of the shells did Fritz Hardy no end of 
mischief. He had been over in the territory now called Tannery Flats, 
and somebody gave him a beef's head. He regarded it as a windfall of 
rarest ray serene, if not an actual godsend. His mouth outwatered a 
darkey's when he beholds the first Tvalermillion of a season. As he was 
hieing him homeward at the best pace of which a boy like him is capable, 
a shell burst, right over his head, as he thought. It may have been two 
thousand feet above him, and half a mile to the right or to the left, but 
it scared him "all right enough" and he straightway devoted all of his 
attention to running away. Of course he dropped the precious, bovine- 
some burden, and of course he ran so hard, so fast and so far, that he 
forgot all about it and never once thought of it until he got home. And 
then of course he was afraid to go back, lest he should lose his own head. 

These few typical incidents of days that fortunately are no more, 
must suffice for now. Many more will be given in the larger work 
which is to follow. The Chattanooga Rebel, edited by Henry Wat- 
terson, was an interesting institution of Confederate days, and that con- 
ditions were unsettled is demonstrated by the announcement which ap- 
peared so early as October 8, 1862, that no subscriptions would be 
received for a longer period than one month, and cash must accompany 
each order. The monthly price was one dollar. 

In this paper, John L. Hopkins, A. D. C, published the following 
order: 

"I am instructed to assemble the conscripts of Hamilton 
County; therefore, all persons between the ages of 18 and 35 
who have been enrolled in Hamilton County, will report them- 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 21 

selves to Lieut. S. M. Mosby, C. S. A., in Chattanooga, on 
Saturday, 1 1 th, inst. They will be placed in the camp of instruc- 
tion at Knoxville, Tenn. Those who are exempt will provide 
themselves with proper papers to procure certificates of exemption. 
Enrolling officers will give notice of this order to the conscripts 
in their respective districts." 

A few of many other documents at hand, held up here as "A light 
for after times," and we leave this "pent-up Utica" for a while. 

THE DOCUMENTS 

"State of Tennessee, 
Hamilton County: 

"Before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace, in and 
for said county, personally appeared Thomas H. Davis and made 
oath that he is a member of the firm of Davis, Caruthers & Co., 
of Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, that a Negro boy 
named Ebon, who was lately apprehended in Chattanooga by L. 
L. Carter and committed to jail by order of I. J. Browning, 
Esq., is a runaway and the property of said Davis, Caruthers & 
Co., who are residents of this state. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15 th day of August, 
I860. 

Joshua S. Green T. H. Davis 

Justice of the Peace 

(Seal) 

Received of John H. Swaim, jailor of the jail in the town 
of Chattanooga, the Negro boy above named and described, this 
15 th August, 1860. 

T. H. Davis". 



"THE ADAMS EXPRESS COMPANY 
Express Forwarders 

"Chatt., July 24, 1862. 

"Received of J. H. Swaim, Jai. one slave named Roan, to 
be forwarded hence to Montgomery, Ala., and there delivered 
to Wm. Talley. 

"It is agreed, and is a part of the conditions of this contract, 
that the Adams Express Company are not to be held responsible 
for any LOSS or DAMAGE arising from the dangers of the 
Seas, Steam or River Navigation, nor for accidents on Railroad, 
by collision or otherwise, under any circumstances whatever. Nor 



22 High Light s of Chattanooga History 

are they responsible for the transportation or delivery of said 
Slaves, after the same shall have been delivered by them to the 
care of other parties (which the Adams Express Company are 
hereby authorized to do.) for completing the transportation or 
delivery. Nor are they liable for the natural death or escape of 
said Slaves, or injury to them from any other cause, except the 
actual default of their agents. 

H. W. Potts. 
Expense $38.00. Expense paid jailor. 
For the proprietors." 



"State of Tennessee, 
Hamilton County. 

"Personally appeared James M. Robinson before me, I. J. 
Browning, an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, and 
makes oath in due form of law that a certain Negro boy Elick, in 
the Jail in Chattanooga belongs to James R. Cockrell and no 
other person, but is the proprty of James R. Cockrell in Pontotoc 
County, Mississippi. This 2 November, 1 862. 

"Jas. M. Robison." 

"Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2 of November, 
1862. I. J. Browning, J. P. 

"State of Tennessee, 
Hamilton County. 

"Came before me J. S. Green, J. P., Capt. Thompson and 
made oath that a Negro boy by the name of John, in prison in 
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is his property. 

"Reg. H. Thompson." 
"Subscribed to before me this 14th day of July, 1863. 

"J. S. Green, J. P." 
"Received my fee. J. S. Green." 

"State of Tennessee, 
Hamilton County. 

"Came before me J. S. Green, Justice of the Peace, John 
Gresham, made oath that a Negro girl about I 3 years of age, 
taken up as a runaway and now in Jail in Chattanooga, Ten- 
nessee, is the property of and does belong to Mrs. M. E. Fain, 
of Calhoon, Gordon County, Ga., and that the said Gresham is 
authorized to receive said Negro gir^ for her. 

"John Gresham." 
"Subscribed and sworn to before me this 29th August, 1863. 

"J. S. Green, J. P." 



High Lights 0/ Chattanooga History 23 

"United States of America, 
"State of Tennessee, 

"County of Davidson, 

"I, John H. Swaim, of the County of Hamilton and State of 
Tennessee, do solemnly swear that I will bear true allegiance to 
the United States, and support and sustain the Constitution and 
laws thereof; that I will maintain the national sovereignty para- 
mount to that of all States, County, or Confederate powers; that I 
will discountenance, discourage, and forever oppose secession, 
rebellion, and disintegration of the Federal Union; that I disclaim 
and denounce all faith and fellowship with the so-called Con- 
federate States and Confederate Armies, and pledge my honor, 
my property, and my life to the sacred performance of this, my 
solemn oath of allegiance to the Government of the United Slates 
of America. 

"John H. Swaim." 

"Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22 day of December, 
1863. 

•T. A. Elkin, 
"Provost Marshal." 



Mr. Swaim was the man who became somewhat noted as a jailor in 
Chattanooga, and had charge of the institution sometimes known as 
"Swim's Jail." 



"CITIZENS' REGISTER PASS 
•No. 319 

"Headquarters Civic Guard 
"Chattanooga, Dec. 4, 1 864. 
"Mr. James R. Allison has registered for military duty in 
Civic Guard. 

"Edwin S. McCook 
Commanding." 



"Head-Quarters Post, Chattanooga, Tenn. 
"May 5. 1865. 

"GUARDS 

"Will pass J. R. Allison, Jeweler Store, within City limits 
for 30 days. 

"By command of Col. C. H. Carlton. 

"M. Buzzell, 
"Lieut. 16th U. S. C. L. and Asst. Provost Marshal." 



24 High Lights of Chattano oga History 

"Chattanooga Post Headquarters, 

"Chattanooga, Tenn., Sept. 8, 1865. 

"Guards and patrols will pass the bearer, Mr. P. L. Gamble, 
foreman of the Chattanooga Gazette, through the post at all 
hours. 

"Wm. B. Gaw, 
Colonel Commanding." 

TO CHICKAMAUGA 

That Chattanooga was one of the most important objectives of the 
war is a familiar truth of history. General Cist, who was on the staffs 
of both Rosecrans and Thomas, expresses an estimate of its importance 
held by military authorities, thus: 

"In a number of places Bragg's official report shows that 
his army was so crippled that he was not able to strengthen one 
portion of his line, when needed, with troops from one part of the 
field, and after the conflict was over his army was so cut up that 
it was impossible for him to follow up his apparent success and 
secure possession of the objective point of the campaign — Chatta- 
nooga. This great gateway of the mountains remaining in pos- 
session of the Army of the Cumberland," etc. 

Why the place was so important may have been the subject of spec- 
ulation, even to students of history. The explanation has been very 
tersely given by Major W. J. Colbum, now living here, who was a 
Federal soldier and officer of long experience, and especially familiar 
with local conditions. He was on the staff of General Brannan, chief 
of artillery. Army of the Cumberland, 

"The geographical influences and conformation of mountain 
ranges pierced by a navigable river running toward the Mississippi, 
marked Chattanooga as the term.inal of important trunk lines of 
railroad and a place destined to attain great commercial importance. 
The same conditions pointed to Chattanooga as the military gate- 
way to the Central South." 

We have seen that the place was shelled more than once, by Fed- 
eral forces. The demonstrations of June 7th and 8th, 1862, were 
made under immediate command of General Negley, though the troops 
belonged to Mitchell's division. Negley made a feint of crossing the 
river, but there was no serious engagement. General Ledbetter, com- 
manding in the town, replied to the shelling with two or three guns. As 
matter of fact, most of the shelling and threatening from across the river 
were mere feints, and part of the stratagem of Rosecrans, which was one 
of the finest military conceptions known to the war. He employed 



High Lights 0/ Chattanooga History 25 

four brigades at points all the way from Williams Island, only about 
six miles below the city, to Knoxville, and caused them to make sundry 
demonstrations, always presenting the most formidable appearance in 
front of and near Chattanooga. While Bragg was alertly watching all 
of these diversions, Rosecrans effected crossings at four points, con- 
siderable distances below, being Caperton's Ferry, Bridgeport, mouth 
of Battle Creek, and Shellmound. 

John Morgan was here with his command in 1862, and was joined 
by two full companies of Texas troops. When Buell received orders 
to open his campaign in East Tennessee, Chattanooga was his objective 
point. When Johnston retreated from Nashville, he sent all surplus 
stores to Chattanooga. Bragg deemed it the advantageous point for 
refitting his command and assuming an offensive. In July, 1862, 
Forrest was here with some two thousand men. In July of that year, 
Bragg sent three or four thousand troops from here, destined for Nash- 
ville. In August, 1862, two brigades of Cleburne's and Preston 
Smith's forces were sent from here. The Confederate base of supplies 
was here in 1863, and the entire country south of Duck River was 
tributary to it. It was here that Bragg made his last stand in contest for 
a foothold in Tennessee, writing to Johnston, "The Tennessee will be 
taken as our line." 

Bragg had credit, even among the most eminent of his antagonists, of 
being a remarkably intelligent and well informed man, not only as to 
matters military, but generally. He occupied Chattanooga the first 
week in July, 1 863, and retired the ninth of September following. It 
was not so much that he was actually driven out as that he realized 
lack of strength to both hold the place and successfully make the attack 
upon Union forces that he contemplated; his plan being to engage and 
drive them back or destroy them as they emerged from various mountain 
fastnesses, approaching this place. He took position extending from 
Lee and Gordon's Mill, at Crawfish Spring, Georgia, to LaFayette. 
The Federal general, Negley, had been ordered into McLemore's Cove, 
and occupied it September 9th. Bragg sent Buckner and Hindman to 
look after him. Cleburne was to join them for attack on hearing their 
guns. The first was fired, after having been long and anxiously awaited, 
about mid-afternoon of the I 0th. The expectation was to cut through 
Negley's forces and proceed to LaFayette, but Negley had retired to 
Steven's Gap. There was much action and a deal of manoeuvreing on 
the part of both armies, all through those valleys, foothills and ridges, 
for days before Chickamauga battle began. It might have reminded 
participants of the words: 

"Of riding and running such tidings they bear 

We must meet them at home, else they'll quickly be here." 

September 1 7th Bragg deemed his forces in satisfactory positions, 



26 High Light s of Chattanooga History 

and gave orders that a movement across the Chickamauga should begin 
at 6 o'clock next morning. There was delay, and the crossing was not 
effected until late in the afternoon, when Hood accomplished it. In the 
night. Walker joined him. Thomas, the Federal general, to become 
"The Rock of Chickamauga," moved his entire corps and closed in on 
Crittenden's right along Chickamauga, the I 7th, and was joined in the 
night by McCook. The fourth division of this command moved to the 
left of Crawfish Spring in the afternoon of the 18th. All night they 
continued moving to the left, and at daybreak of the 19th had reached 
Kelly's farm; Baird's division in advance took position at the forks of 
the road, facing toward the Reed and Alexander bridges. The 1 7th, 
Brannan's forces closely followed McCook's corps and were concen- 
trated in McLemore's Cove. In the night following. Lytic joined him 
with two of his brigades. Part of McCook's command closed on the 
1 4th Federal army corps. In the same morning, Wood, a Federal com- 
mander, was at Lee & Gordon's Mill, and reported that the Confederates 
were advancing on his left with a strong line of skirmishers. Palmer, 
another Federal general, was placed, the same day, at VanCleve's left, 
on the Chickamauga. Wood held position at Lee & Gordon's Mill. 

Col. Dan McCook, Federal, made a reconnoisance to Chickamauga 
Creek and burned Reed's Bridge, in the evening of September 1 6th. 
W. H. T. Walker's corps. Confederate, crossed to the west side of the 
stream below Alexander's Bridge, the same day, and moved up stream, 
opposite, about 10 in the morning of the 19th. Brannan's division. 
Federal, encountered a Confederate force and met with stubborn re- 
sistance. Bragg halted Walker's command and directed them to return 
for reinforcement of Forrest, who was engaged with Croxlon's force 
in front of Brannan's division. This engagement brought on the battle 
before Bragg had his positions arranged to his satisfaction. 

Thomas ordered Baird's command forward to Croxton's support, 
and these two forces combined drove the Confederates some distance, 
causing them serious losses, including numbers of prisoners captured. 

Croxton's ammunition became exhausted and he was ordered to the 
rear. Brannan's and Baird's divisions drove the Confederates from their 
front. Baird learned from prisoners that a heavy Confederate force 
was immediately at his front, massing for attack. He drew back and 
waited for Bragg's attack on his right line. This was made by Walker, 
whose corps bore down on the waiting Federals with fury and yells of 
confidence, assaulting Scribner's and King's brigades and driving them 
back in disorder. 

McCook took position at Crawfish Spring in early morning of the 
19th, beyond the extreme left of the Confederate army, massing his 
troops and waiting for orders. A little after I he was directed to take 
command of the right and cavalry on the flank; also to send Johnson's 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 27 

division to the left for report to Thomas. Then came an order from 
Rosecrans, directing that he send Davis's division to Thomas, also. 
With various reinforcements the line was formed and attack made upon 
the flank of Walker's corps, driving it back to first position. Brannan's 
division drove back the head of the column, and retook artillery which had 
been captured from Baird when he was driven back. Cheatham's divi- 
sion re-enforced Walker's and the two commands advanced with great 
enthusiasm. A gap was made in their lines, into which Stewart's divi- 
sion was thrown. They drove back Johnson's forces in disorder, and 
Palmer was forced to retire. VanCleve went to his support, and was 
driven back. Then Reynolds was overpowered, and the Confederates 
seemed to be having everything about their own way. Davis came into 
the action with his command and checked the Confederate advance. 
Wood went to his assistance and the Federal lines were reformed; the 
forces of Stewart, Walker and Cheatham were driven back to their 
original positions. Sheridan left Lytle's brigade to hold Lee & Gordan's 
Mill on the extreme right, and moved to the left in support of the new 
line near Wood's and Davis's positions. He helped drive back the Con- 
federates and Bradley's brigade recaptured the 8th Indiana battery pre- 
viously taken by the Confederates. A considerable number of prisoners 
were captured from Longstreet's corps. 

At 2.30 p. m. the Confederates made a mighty assault on the Fed- 
eral right. Hood's corps going against Reynolds's and Van Cleve's 
divisions and meeting with heavy losses from musketry and artillery. 
The battle now approached Widow Glenn's house, where Rosecrans had 
headquarters. The Federal right centre was pierced, and the Confed- 
erates gained LaFayette road. Negley, from the right of McCook's 
command, and Brannan, from Thomas's left, now went into the fight 
driving back Hood and Johnson, and keeping up the pursuit until dark, 
when the Federals were re-occupying their old positions. Cleburne, with 
a division from Hill's corps, supported by Cheatham, assaulted first 
Johnson, then Baird, with fierce energy. This struggle lasted until 
considerably after dark, with heavy losses on both sides. 

For the next day's operations, Thomas sent Baird's and Johnson's 
divisions to new positions, Baird's on the extreme left. Palmer and 
Reynolds were placed on the right of Johnson, with Brannan to the rear 
and right of Reynolds, as reserve. 

During the night, Bragg ordered in all re-enforcements that should 
arrive by rail, and summoned his generals to council, giving orders for 
the morrow. His forces were divided into two commands, under Long- 
street and Polk. Rosecrans assembled his corps commanders at Widow 
Glenn's house, and made dispositions for next day. Thomas was to 
hold the Rossville Road, Brannan in reserve. McCook, with Sheridan's 
and Davis's divisions was ordered to maintain his picket line until it was 
driven back. Davis, left division, was to close on Thomas and have 



28 High Lig hts of Chattanooga History 

"his right refused covering the position at Glenn house." Crittenden 
was charged to hold two divisions. Wood's and VanCleve's, in reserve, 
near where the line of Wood and Thomas joined, to re-enforce as 
needed. 

Activities of the 19th had consisted chiefly of charges and counter- 
charges "playing for position" in large measure, with success flitting from 
side to side, somewhat like a working bee in honey-making time. Fed- 
eral arms seemed to have gained the larger advantage, in that they held 
the Rossville and Dry Valley roads. 

A dense fog hung over Chickamauga Field in the morning of Sep- 
tember 20th. Both Rosecrans and Bragg early reviewed their lines, and 
neither was satisfied. Both realized vexatious delays regarding disposi- 
tions and movements of forces. During the night. Federal troops had 
constructed temporary breastworks of logs and rails, behind which 
Thomas's command awaited attack. 

At 8:30 a. m. it came, on the left, with heavy skirmish firing, and 
about an hour later a tremendous assault followed, falling with full force 
upon the brigade of Beatty, Negley's division, which was driven back 
in confusion. Helms's Confederate brigade and Cleburne's division 
advanced on Baird's front and were met by savage fire of canister and 
musketry, resulting in a substantial check. Then, reinforced, the Fed- 
erals drove them entirely from Baird's right and rear. Full two hours 
of hard fighting ensued, in which the forces of Breckenridge's left pressed 
upon Johnson, Palmer and Reynolds, successively; but they being each 
time driven back, Bragg seemed to utilize every resource in an effort 
to batter in the centre and dislodge Thomas's right. This failed, and the 
Confederates fell back to the old positions. 

Now occurred one of the wildest and most anxious episodes of the 
whole war. Misunderstanding of real conditions by a lieutenant colonel, 
then error in drafting an order, committed by an aide, imperiled Thomas 
and the whole army to a frightful degree. What seemed to be a gap 
between Wood's and Reynold's forces was reported, but it was in reality 
only apparent, for Brannan was close by and only a little in the rear with 
his command, and not out of line. Being ordered to close up the sup- 
posed gap. Wood withdrew his entire command from the front, execut- 
ing an order impossible of proper execution, leaving a real gap of two 
brigades extent in the line of battle. Before it could be effectively 
closed, Longstreet discovered the situation and hurled into the weak- 
ened position the divisions of Stewart, Hood, Kershaw, Johnson and 
Hindman, with the large division of Preston in support. Walworth and 
Lytle were ordered to change front and return to assist in an effort at 
repulse; other forces joined, but the right was turned and the Federals 
suffered loss of many prisoners, fifteen guns and large numbers of wagon 
trains. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 29 

In this maelstrom of battle. General Lytle, author of "I am dying, 
Egypt, dying," was killed. The Federal right was completely broken, 
and five brigades of that wing cut off entirely from the command. 

Bragg sought to turn Thomas's left and cut him off from Chatta- 
nooga. He extended his right by removing Breckenridge's division 
beyond its former position, and ordered Walker's corps to that general's 
left, Cleburne's right on the left of Walker. Breckenridge got into 
position on the Chattanooga road, partly in the rear of Thomas, detached 
from the main body of the Confederates engaged in the movement to 
execute this plan. He made a confident assault, but was met by three 
brigades commanded by Vanderveer, Willich and Gorse, who drove 
him back to his original line. Thomas was in desperate plight, and sent 
an aide to hurry up the forces of Sheridan. A large mass of troops was 
discovered moving on the ridge a little to the rear of Reynolds, and 
doubt arose whether they were Sheridan's, coming to the relief, or Con- 
federates. Thomas made a personal investigation, determined that they 
were Confederates, and ordered that they be fired upon. He placed 
Brannan's division on Horseshoe Ridge, and on the spurs in the rear 
posted the artillery. Wood was ordered to place his division in line 
with Branann's, which had barely been achieved when the Confederates 
were upon them in savage attack, which was repulsed. 

Gordon Granger, at Rossville, with three reserve brigades, noted 
great increase of firing at the front, and felt convinced that Thomas 
must be very hard pressed. Though against orders, he determined to 
go to the assistance, and arrived about 3 p. m. He reported to Thomas, 
and soon engaged in the titanic struggle of that most critical hour of the 
fateful day. He hurled the forces of Whittaker and Mitchell against 
the Confederates engaged in the deadly onslaught. Steedman, seizing 
the colors of a regiment, led his command in a charge. In about twenty 
minutes he was in occupation of both ridge and gorge. The carnage of 
this period was superlatively terrible. About 4 o'clock Longstreet deter- 
mined to make an attempt to retake the ridge. With the familiar "Rebel 
Yell" conjuring up the echoes and driving them back to their lairs again, 
Preston's men charged heroically up the hill, supported by Kershaw's 
and Johnson's commands, part of Hindman's, and later by those of 
Stewart. With a deadly succession of charges and counter-charges the 
carnival of slaughter proceeded for nearly two hours, and when night 
came Thomas was still holding the ridge. An unauthorized order had 
sent Thomas's ammunition train back to Chattanooga, and there was 
alarming scarcity of ammunition before the fighting was over. What 
Grainger had taken with him was distributed to the troops, and finally 
requisition was made upon cartridge boxes of the dead, both sides being 
made to silently yield up their supplies, no longer useful to them. Then 
bayonet onslaughts were ordered. 

Much other desperate fighting occurred that day, but the Granger 



30 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

demonstration constituted a supreme climax, an episode which doubtless 
saved the Union army from crushing defeat. 

Rosecrans went to the extreme right with the purpose of directing 
Sheridan's movements, but was caught in the vortex, and after an attempt 
to rejoin Thomas, accompanied by Garfield, his chief of staff, and 
others, he went on to Rossville, there to determine whether it were bet- 
ter to renew effort at rejoining Thomas or go to Chattanooga and make 
preparations for disposition of his army after v/hat he was forced to 
believe would be irreparable disaster. They found everything in con- 
fusion, "rout on rout, confusion worse confounded," at Rossville. Wild- 
est rumors in circulation were accepted as true upon mere statement, 
without second inquiry or even thought. They were told that the whole 
army was defeated and in frenzied retreat; that both Thomas and Rose- 
crans were killed. Part of this report Rosecrans knew to be at least 
"greatly exaggerated", — but being earnestly advised thus by Garfield, 
he came on to Chattanooga, and Garfield made his way back to the scene 
of conflict. Here, Rosecrans was soon joined by McCook and Crit- 
tenden. The chief was almost in collapse from fatigue, nervous tension 
and lack of food. The hour was about 4 p. m. While the officers 
were discussing events of the day and speculating as to the probable 
extent of catastrophe, Rosecrans received a dispatch from Garfield. 
He had reached Thomas and found him with seven divisions intact, and 
a number of detachments. He had repulsed another heavy onslaught, 
and believed that he could hold out. Rosecrans read the dispatch and 
exclaimed, "Thank God! This is good enough. The day isn't lost 
yet." He ordered McCook and Crittenden back to the front; directed 
Wagner, in command of the post, to stop all stragglers as they attempted 
to enter town; sent rations, ammunition, etc., to Rossville. To that point 
Thomas retired in the night, unobserved by the Confederates, and passed 
next day in making arrangements for the safety of his troops and their 
re-entry into Chattanooga. By 7 a. m. the 22nd, they were here, with- 
out having suffered the loss of a man in the move. 

The Battle of Chickamauga was in point of tactics and of relative 
forces, the hardest fought and bloodiest of the war. As to numbers 
engaged, it ranked sixth, — Gettysburg being first, Spottsylvania next; 
then the Wilderness, Antietam and Chancellorsville. The losses at 
Chickamauga were: Federal, killed, I, 687, wounded, 9,394, missing, 
5,255. Total, 16,336. Confederate, killed, 2,673, wounded, 16,- 
274. missing, 2,003. Total, 20,950. 

As to forces engaged on the respective sides, there has always been 
and still is, dispute. It will not be elaborated here. Authorities con- 
sidered as expressing the Federal claim, say the army of Rosecrans num- 
bered 55,000 and that of Bragg, 70.000, Those who are thought to 
express the Confederate viev/, say Rosecrans had 64,392, and Bragg, 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 31 

47,321. Colonel J. C. Nisbet, who was in the battle and commanded 
a Confederate regiment, later a brigade, estimates the numbers at about 
60,000 of all arms on each side. It seems matter of little consequence. 
The battle was a sublime demonstration of American valor: all Amer- 
ican, whatever and wherever may have been the greater glory for the 
moment. It demonstrated that peace-loving Americans are no dille- 
tante nor timid foemen when they conclude to fight, and suggests to 
peoples of this day that if they could fight each other thus, they will 
be foemen to reckon with, lined for battle or intrenched, fighting to- 
gether for a common cause and united country. Great battle as was 
Chickamauga, it had no really decisive character. Little Saratoga, 
with only 19,000 men engaged on both sides, and losses almost insig- 
nificant, was a decisive battle of the v/orld. Chickamauga was a big 
fight. 

RAISING THE SIEGE 

The Siege of Chattanooga lost no time in arrival, after Chick- 
amauga. If it did not begin at once, then like Hamlet's mother's v/ed- 
ding after Hamlet's father's funeral, "it followed hard upon." The 
plan of Bragg was to starve out the beleagured army, and he came 
very near to a complete success. To effect the siege he took possession 
of Missionary Ridge overlooking Chattanooga ; occupied Lookout Moun- 
tain, and assumed control of the Tennessee River and the river road to 
Bridgeport. He held Raccoon Mountain, commanding the Nashville 
Railroad, and the best roads, in fact the only really available ones, on 
both sides of the river. A line was intrenched in Chattanooga Valley, 
extending from the river, east of town, to Lookout Mountain; and a 
line extended along the base of Missionary Ridge, with spurs of riflepits 
hall way up the front. Confederate pickets were stationed so far into 
the valley that those of the two armies could converse; indeed, at one 
point they were separated only by Chattanooga Creek. 

Fuel became exhausted, even to the stumps, and the Federals lacked 
teams for hauling from distances. Rafts floated down the river from 
points at considerable distance, on the north side, were the only m.eans 
of supply. As for food supplies, etc., it was necessary to haul them 
"by a circuitous route north of the river and over a mountain country, 
a distance of over sixty miles." The most of them were hauled from 
Bridgeport and vicinity, up Sequatchie Valley and across Walden's 
Ridge. 

When General Grant took command, his problems were to establish 
a Cracker Line", feed the army into effective condition, and then raise 
the siege. It was vitally necessary that he be expeditious in this, so that 
he might send relief to Burnside, who was in desperate plight at Knox- 
ville. For the work of opening a line of supplies. Grant had the advan- 
tage of a feasible plan which had been devised by Rosecrans. 



32 High Lig hts of Chattanooga History 

Hooker, at Bridgeport, was ordered to cross the river and march 
up the south side to Brown's Ferry; Palmer to move down the river on 
the north side, to a point opposite Whiteside, then cross and hold the 
road in Hooker's rear after he should have passed. 

Hazen's task was to move eighteen hundred men and sixty pontoon 
boats from Chattanooga, at night, to Brown's Ferry, land on the south 
side and capture or drive away the Confederate pickets. W. F. Smith's 
part was to move down the north side, under cover of night, taking along 
material for a bridge to be thrown across at Brown's Ferry. 

October 28th Hooker entered Lookout Valley at Wauhatchie, and 
the river was open to Bridgeport. The achievement surprised Bragg, and 
he strove to reover the advantage lost. Longstreet attacked Geary at 
Wauhatchie in the night of the 28th, and while Howard was attempt- 
ing to reach Geary, the next day, his force was attacked from a foot- 
hill, but the position of the attacking party was charged and captured. 
A sharp fight progressed for three hours, much of the time in such dense 
darkness that the participants could not distinguish friend from enemy 
except by such light as the gun flashes afforded. 

By 4 o'clock the next morning, fighting had ceased and the "Cracker 
Line" was an accomplished fact.. 

November 20th Bragg notified Grant that it would be prudent to 
remove any non-combatants in Chattanooga, at an early moment. Of 
course this implied a purpose to bombard the town, but Grant believed it 
a ruse of war, treating it accordingly. Fort Wood was at the north- 
eastern part of the town, and in it were twenty-two pieces of artillery 
capable of reaching nearest points of the Confederate lines. 

November 23rd, Thomas moved Granger's corps to the foot of 
Fort Wood, and caused the troops to be formed as if for parade. 
Sheridan on the right and Wood on the left. Their lines extended to 
Citico Creek. Howard's corps moved to rear of the center. The 
picket lines were within a few hundred yards of each other. By 2 
o'clock in the afternoon, everything was in readiness for advance. The 
signal for it was cannon fire from Fort Wood and several other points. 
The Confederate pickets were driven back upon the main guards occu- 
pying various minor eminences between the Federal lines and the Ridge, 
That day's work gave the Federals an advance of fully a mile in 
position. The loss so far was about 1 , 1 00 killed and wounded on 
the Federal side, and approximately the same for the Confederates, 
including prisoners taken. 

That night Morgan L. Smith's division moved to the point up river 
where the pontoon bridge was to be thrown across. Brannan, with 
forty pieces of artillery, took position to command important points 
opposite, and protect that where was to rest he south end of the bridge. 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 33 

At 2 in the morning of November 24tli, Giles A. Smith moved 
out of North Chattanooga with one hundred and sixteen boats, manned 
by thirty men each, and with the utmost silence practicable, approached 
the mouth of South Chickamauga, where he landed a few boats. The 
men debarked and surprised the Confederate guards, twenty of whom 
they captured. Then the remainder of this Federal force landed 
where the bridge was to begin. Sherman's command was soon ferried 
over, a steamer having been sent up from town to assist. Soon as the 
troops landed they commenced to intrench. By davlight, the divisions 
of M. L. Smith and John E. Smith were over, and well protected by 
the works just built. 

About noon, the bridge for artillery and cavalry was comoleted. 
Infantry had all along been ferried over, and all were soon across. 
By 1 o'clock, Sherman began an assault on the ridge. By 3:30 he 
had gained the first height, with small loss. 

Lookout Mountain and the top of Missionary Ridge were obscured 
from view of those in the valley, by clouds, but about half past three 
the Confederates opened fire, and skirmishers attempted to drive off 
their assailants. Another attempt of the kind was made later, but 
both failed, and Sherman had opportunity to fortify positions gained. 
Giles A. Smith was wounded and carried from the field. 

All of this time Hooker had been engaged west of Lookout Creek, 
the east bank of which was strongly intrenched and picketed by the 
Confederates, reenforced by three brigades on the summit of Lookout 
Mountain. 

In the morning of the 24th, Hooker attempted to cross Lookout 
Creek with Geary's division and a brigade belonging to Cruft's com- 
mand. The bridge was seized after a slight skirmish, a heavy mist 
hiding Geary from the Confederates on top of the mountain, so he 
crossed the creek "almost unobserved and captured the picket of over 
forty men on guard nearby." 

He began moving up the mountain, directly in his front. The Con- 
federate forces were coming down and occupying riflepits, to contest 
the crossing of the bridge. Osterhaus had ascended, and there was 
hard skirmishing with substantial losses. The Confederates gave way 
on seeing their left and rear menaced, and were followed by Crufts 
and Osterhaus. By noon, "Geary had gained the open ground on the 
north slope of the mountain, with his right close to the base of the 
upper palisade, while there were strong fortifications in his front. A 
line was soon formed from the base of the upper palisade to the mouth 
of Chattanooga Creek." 

The heights were scaled early in the morning of November 25 th, 
and the Stars and Stripes unfurled from the Point. When the sun 



34 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

rose and troops down in the valley beheld that sight, there was much 
of wild cheering, "that the flag was still there." For the spectacular 
and ardent service of surmounting those heights and planting the colors 
there, volunteers had been invited, and there were plenty and to spare. 
The honor of being there first, and planting the colors where the boys 
thought they belonged, has been claimed on behalf of men belonging 
to the 8th Kentucky, and also for both New Yorkers and Pennsyl- 
vanians. The weight of authority gives preference to the Kentuckians. 

Grant, Thomas, and numbers of others were on Orchard Knob. 
The line was continuous from the point where Sherman had crossed 
the river, up Chickamauga Creek to the base of Missionary Ridge; 
over the top at north end of the ridge to Chattanooga Valley; then 
parallel to the ridge a mile or more across the valley to the mouth ol 
Chattanooga Creek — "thence up the slope of Lookout Mountain to 
the foot of the upper palisade." But the day was so hazy that 
Hooker's operations could not be seen except at morp.ents when the 
clouds would lift. However, the reports of his artillery and musketry 
were constantly heard, all along the lines. In the afternoon, the clouds 
which had so obscured the mountain top all of the eventful day, with 
all of its eventful and history-making activities, settled down and ren- 
dered it so dark as to quite stop operations for a time. By a little 
after five of the same evening direct communication was established 
with Hooker, and a brigade was sent from Chattanooga, to reen force 
him. They met with opposition at Chattanooga Creek, but overcame 
it, and by night their commander, Carlin, reported to Hooker. Sher- 
man's right was now at the Tunnel, and his left at Chickamauga 
Creek. 

November 25th, began clear, and the whole field was in view from 
Orchard Knob, remaining so throughout the day. Sherman's troops 
were in motion by sunrise. Morgan L. Smith moved along the east 
base of Missionary Ridge, and Loomis along the west base, the former 
advancing to the extreme end of the Confederate works, and cutting 
the Confederates off from their base of supplies at Chickamauga 
Station, on the Western & Atlantic Road. A hard fight was made to 
regain this point, but without success. Corse, the Federal commander, 
was severely wounded. 

The Confederates having abandoned Lookout Mountain the night 
before. Hooker was expected now to be crossing the ridge near Ross- 
ville, and his appearance there was to be the signal for Thomas to 
assault the ridge. But Hooker was detained some hours by destruction 
of the bridge over Chattanooga Creek, and Sherman was so fiercely 
beset that Grant ordered a charge, without ^vaiting longer for Hooker. 
Tliere was an hour of delay in executing this order, for what reasons 
and by whose fault is not clear. But when the signal of six guns, fired 



High Lights of Chattanooga History 35 

in rapid succession from Orchard Knob, thundered the news that some- 
thing was to be done by way of breaking what had been a long monotony 
of inaction to some of the Federal troops, they sprang to the work with 
extreme avidity. There was loud cheering as the Confederate advance 
was driven toward the ridge, while troops of both blue and gray went 
over the first line of works almost at the same instant. Many Con- 
federates were captured and sent to the rear under fire of their own 
guns higher up. Many others retreated and were pursued, and accord- 
ing to General Grant were so placed between friends and foes that 
their friends were compelled to fire high to avoid killing them. In fact, 
this authority says, the Union soldier nearest the Confederate forces 
was in the safest position. 

The Federal troops now took affairs of battle into their own hands 
and executed probably the nearest to a really unique feat of war that 
was known to his great four years' struggle. 

Without stopping for further orders, to reform, or even to take 
breath, as it would seem, they pushed on to the second line of Con- 
federate works — over it and toward the crest of Missionary Ridge, 
while cannon and musket balls fairly filled the air; pushed on with 
the zest of schoolboys storming a snow fort, while the retreat of those 
in front of them, not less brave, became general and was the beginning 
of signal defeat and end of a battle which will forever stand out con- 
spicuous in history; that will not, cannot, be forgotten. 

There were, of course, many other details; more fighting, more 
suffering, more retreating, more pursuit — but such in rather swift out- 
line, was the famous Battle of Missionary Ridge. It was merely one 
act, one grand act by many noble actors in both these troops of gallant 
players on the stage of grim visaged war — one act in the mighty drama 
which was the Battle of Chattanooga, by which another great event 
of that great war was brought to an end — The Siege of Chattanooga. 

That part of the general engagement known as the Battle of Look- 
out Mountain and that known as "The Battle Above the Clouds," 
was precisely the same engagement. But WAS there a battle above 
the clouds? Just as certainly as there was a battle on the slopes and 
heights of Missionary Ridge, or had been one down in the vales and 
on the hills of Chickamauga Field. Some pains has been taken, for 
what purpose it is difficult even to surm.ise, to make it appear that 
the Battle Above the Clouds is a myth and imposition upon history. 
But it was so actually a batlte above clouds, that clouds had much 
to do with it and affected the whole series of engagements in and around 
Chattanooga; as for instance, the unobserved movements of Geary's 
troops across Chattanooga Creek. Any who doubt that there could 
have been indeed a battle above the clouds, need only go to the point 
where the principal fighting was done, any good day for cloud-hunting. 



36 High Lights of Cha ttanooga History 

and he may see forests below his footing with clouds lowering over 
them and hovering in their branches as if seeking to roost there. Not 
infrequently he might see birds soaring above the clouds, and yet below 
the level of his view point. 

In the course of research for facts of local history, the writer has 
personally interviewed numbers of men who were in the engagement, 
and testified to the existence of clouds below the contending forces. 
Scores are now living, no doubt, who could bear testimony to the same 
purport. 

The losses in all these engagements which constituted the Battle 
of Chattanooga, were, according to what is considered the most satis- 
factory authority: Federal, killed, 757, wounded 4,529, missing, 
330. Total, 5,616; Confederate, killed, 361, wounded, 2,181, miss- 
ing, 6,142; aggregate, killed, wounded and missing, both sides, 14,300. 

Possibly these figures seem rather small to same readers. Battles 
are not always great in proportion to losses. Conservation of life and 
limb are considerations of good generalship and war science. Casual- 
ties of battle are very seldom so great in numbers as imagination is 
wont to picture them. Certainly nothing was spared at Waterloo that 
could be thought to make for victory; yet the losses of both sides were 
only 49,485. 

CHATTANOOGA IN NINETEEN HUNDRED AND 
SEVENTEEN 

As seen, our first manufacturing plant was a plate of rattlesnake 
located on a tall stump. It was an oil refinery and medicine factory 
combined. The first actual factory was a car and foundry establish- 
ment, belonging to East Tennessee Iron Manufacturing Company, 1850. 
Our first store was a log cabin, which served the combined purpose 
of store and saloon, according to good authority. 

At the close of 1917, we have upwards of three hundred manu- 
facturing establishments, turning out more than twelve hundred kinds 
of articles. The Manufacturers' Association has a membership of one 
hundred and twenty-five firms, besides two hundred and thirty-eight 
individual and ten associate members. The amount of capital repre- 
sented by membership is $52,000,000, and the number of laborers 
employed ranges from 10,000 to 15,000. So extensive is the manu- 
facturing interest that a permanent exhibition of products is maintained 
by the association, in its own building. To this the public are always 
welcome, without charge or exaction. A forty-eight page catalogue 
of manufactured articles has been published in the Spanish language 
for distribution in Latin-American countries, and representatives of 
many enterprises are constantly engaged in canvassing that great field. 



High LiChts 0/ Chattanooga History 37: 

One plant is now employing a thousand men who are turning out 
eighteen hundred shells daily, for which the concern is paid twenty-seven 
dollars and fifty cents a shell. Another concern, of no specially dis- 
tinguishing importance, is holding itself to the task of shipping daily forty 
thousand dollars' worth of its own product in furniture, etc. 

There are approximately forty wholesale and jobbing houses, car- 
ried by capital aggregating close upon ten million dollars. They em- 
ploy from two hundred to three hundred traveling salesmen, and the 
territory within which trade of the kind is prosecuted, forms a radius 
of about one hundred and fifty miles. Mr. John Stagmaier, president 
of the enterprising Jobbers and Wholesale Dealers' Association, re- 
cently said: 

"With eight trunk lines entering our city, and with the Ten- 
nessee River at our doors, Chattanooga is more a center for trade 
than any city of its size that we know of. We have only in recent 
years waked up to this fact, and the developments in jobbing 
business prove it to be a fact." 

"It is only a matter of a few years until the city can double 
her jobbing business." 

Aside from those already mentioned, there are numbers of useful 
organizations having municipal welfare as central purpose ; among them 
the militant Chamber of Commerce, with a membership of five hundred,^ 
and a junior organization with a large number of members; a 
Builders' Exchange, a Retail Grocers' Association and a Retail Mer- 
chants' Association. The Rotarians, also, have a large membership. 

Our population, including suburbs, was 105,309 when the 1917 
city directory census was taken, and the suburbs are as much part 
of the city in every sense except a mere matter of corporate li"e, as 
are the municipal buildings, the police and fire organizations. Of the 
more important suburbs, seven are now municipal corporations: North 
Chattanooga, Riverview, East Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, St. 
Elmo, Lookout Mountain and Alton Park. We are the big municipal 
fish, almost surrounded by lesser ones, but all are fish of importance 
and goodly proportions. Very recently we have acquired a suburb 
to all intents and purposes, just over in Georgia, which is larger than 
any of the older ones, and represents a pretty good-sized city of itself. 
It is the army cantonment at Fort Oglethorpe, with its hundreds of 
nice, new houses for the bo5'^s who want to go to France, and wouldn't 
object to eating a Christmas dinner in Berlin, if the Kaiser should 
invite them over hospitably. This suburb has about a dozen theaters 
and like places of entertainment. 

In very truth, we are a prosperous community, notwithstanding 
some apostles of pessimism and prophets of evil. 



38 High Lights of Chattanooga History 

Good wages are paid to laboring people, and fair profits reward 
the efforts of legitimate business. Skilled mechanics command fifty 
cents an hour and upwards. 

We have metropolitan conveniences and advantages in all things- 
Less than twenty years ago, we had not even one automobile. Now 
there are in the county, and of course practically all in the city and 
suburbs, 4,377. Chattanooga has, from the day that it was named, 
been well provided with schools, but they were all private enterprises 
until after the Civil War. Now we have a high class public school 
system in city and county. Our fire and police departments would be 
credit to any city, anywhere. 

Grave apprehensions of unavoidable suffering from cold this winter 
were for a time entertained, with good reason. Providentially, as 
thoughtful persons may be permitted to believe, we had delightfully 
moderate weather in the fall and early winter. But severe cold came 
December 8th, and Sunday, the 9th, mercury showed its lowest record 
here for December of which we know, with one exception. That was 
the 30th of December, 1 880. The record this time was six and eight- 
tenths degrees — above zero being meant, of course, and thai was far 
too low down for Sunny Tennessee. 

"Prices," did someone say? 

It must be admitted that prices are somewhat lofty this season. 
Those who suspect that a lot of "pure cussedness" is extant in this 
situation are probably very close to being exactly right. Uncle Sam'll 
get the guilty ones after a while if they "don't watch out." 

None of the better parts of beef are expected at less than twenty 
cents a pound, and from this price they go upward and onward, 
according to the cupidity of dealers. Reminiscences of Civil War 
days and prices are being evoked. Mrs. Candace Flinn paid forty 
dollars in Confederate money, for a forty-eight pound sack of flour. 
Thomas R. Harris gave his wife a pair of shoes for which he paid 
one hundred dollars. But these were moderate prices compared with 
some of which I have often been told, as having been paid before the 
war ended. 

This year. Thanksgiving turkeys demanded forty cents a pound for 
themselves, and chickens were not much less egoistic. A friend told me 
that his family economically eschewed turkey and contented themselves 
with a dollar-and-sventy-five cents chicken. Eggs are fty cents a dozen, 
and looking up. Butter is fifty-five cents a pound, and anticipates a 
rise in its affairs. Sugar is twelve and a half cents a pound, and 
merchants are enforcing a two-pound limit to each customer. The 
entire stock lies in the stores of retailers, wholesalers not pretending to 
have any, and they are not fooling the people for hoarding purposes. 



High Lights o j Chattanooga History 39 

A sugar famine is expected for about Christmas time, but relief will 
probably come along next month, in form of new crop Cuban sugar. 

It may seem to some of you that all this current news and comment 
of 1917 isn't much history. Keep it a hundred years, and it will be 
first rate. History improves with age. 

The End. 




